Holy Bread Ministry

Have you ever wondered how you, as a layperson, could participate in the Divine Liturgy in a very special way? Would you like to have special prayers said on behalf of your loved ones at Sunday's Divine Liturgy? Do you enjoy baking? If you answered "yes" to any of these question please consider signing up for offering Holy Bread. If you feel uncomfortable about baking it yourself, it can be done on your behalf. Please see Holly Lardides or Hannah Hennings if you have any questions.

The goal of the food ministry is to feed the bodies and souls of our parishoners through food, prayer and visitation with the active involvement of our other members. Whether they are sick, recovering from childbirth/surgery, acting as a full-time caregiver for a family member, or grieving over a death, it reminds them that their church is their for them on more than just Sundays. We are here to provide food, prayer, encouragement, compassion, prayer, and especially love.

This ministry promotes personal ties and strengthens the communion of our church. I have made wonderful friends through this ministry whom I otherwise may never have known well. It has given me a much deeper connection to our parish. What a blessing! So please take advantage and be part of it. Please call me with any questions.

Do you want to make a difference in someone's life? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Please consider the wonderful opportunity of visiting the sick/elderly of our parish and community. To sign up or get additional information, please see Patty Milstead or Jack Prohaska.

Are you a caregiver to a family member? Are you tired and worn out? Need a break, if only for a little while? Then call St. Mary's Take-a-Break Ministry Team. The Take-a-Break Ministry Team specializes in caring for your loved one, up to two hours, while you do your own thing: whether it's shopping, going to the movies, having coffee with a friend or just taking an uninterrupted nap. If you need help, see wither Vicky Shay or Father Don. (Certain restrictions do apply).

Are you interested in evangelism? Do you have a heart for the un-churched? Would you like to bring depth and richness of Orthodoxy to the Protestant and Roman Catholic population of Omaha? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then you should talk with John Shay or Father Don and think about joining the Outreach Ministry Team.

Would you like to help develop a more Pan-Orthodox atmosphere in the Omaha-Lincoln area? Would you like to work with the other Orthodox churches and be part of the effort to transform us into a truly Orthodox family? If this is something that ignites your interest, then talk with either John Shay or Father Don and become part of the Outreach Ministry Team.

Would you like to learn more about our Orthodox faith from noted Orthodox teachers, speakers and lecturers? Would you like to help spread the "True faith" to others in the Omaha area by exposing them to noted Orthodox personalities? Would you like to "sit at the feet of" noted Orthodox speakers like: Father Thomas Hopko, Bishop Kallistos Ware, Father Peter Gillquist, and others, and learn from them? If this is something that rings your bell then talk with either John Shay or Father Don about the interesting things the Outreach Ministry Team is doing.

Are you willing to be a special servant for Christ? Are you willing to work behind the scenes in a critical ministry? Would you like to help reduce our church expenses? Our church is God's Home, and just like our own home, it is important that we keep God's Home neat and clean. Are you willing to help in this critical effort? Contact ? for more information.

Did you know
that St. Mary's has our own Library? Although small in size at this time, we are hoping to significantly increase the number of books, tapes and DVDs available for our parish members. If each parish member would purchase just one book a year from our bookstore, and donate it to the library, you help this great effort.

Do you like to meet new people? How about making new friends? Do you enjoy making others feel like part of the family? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please consider joining the New Member Orientation Ministry Team. You could be an important part of making new members of St. Mary's parish feel welcome. To help with this important ministry please see Father Don.

Do you enjoy gathering around food in fellowship? Do you like showing hospitality? Do you have a special day or event you would like to share with your parish family? Please consider the wonderful opportunity of hosting a Coffee Hour after one of our services. To sign up or get additional information, please see Holly Lardides or Hannah Hennings.

The Landscaping Ministry Committee is a labor of love. If you enjoy the outdoors, have a green thumb, are good with a shovel and wheelbarrow, and are truly amazed by God's works of nature, then we need you!

Are you mechanically inclined? Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty? Do you like to "tinker"? If you answered "yes" to these questions, please think about joining St. Mary's Maintenance Ministry Team. Not only would you be helping keep God's House in good working order, but you would also be helping to reduce our parish expenses. If you are interested in helping, or if you would like more information, please see Frank Oldenhuis.